How to Control Cat Hair

Cats make great pets and generally require very little care. According to the Humane Society, the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association 2009-2010 survey found that nearly one third of all American households have at least one cat, with a total of over 93 million cats in the U.S. One common complaint among cat owners is shedding. While some shedding is normal, too much can result in stray fur on furniture, clothing and carpets. Stray hair could harm your pet's health if it leads to hairballs, and the dander it carries contains allergens that many people are sensitive to.

Things You'll Need

  • Premium cat food
  • Pet vitamin drops
  • Pet vitamin treats
  • Grooming tools
  • Coat conditioner
  • Pet shampoo
  • Pet fur cleaning wipes
  • Furniture throws
  • Pet furniture
  • Lint roller
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Instructions

  1. Treating the Cat

    • 1

      Feed your pet high quality food. The amount of shedding depends on breed, age and season, but a healthy diet can reduce excess shedding. Premium foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help improve a cat's coat, according to DrsFosterSmith.com. You can also purchase vitamin drops and treats that contain essential nutrients.

    • 2

      Brush your cat daily to keep the coat healthy and capture loose fur before it can be deposited on clothing or furniture. Long-haired cats benefit from mat removal tools that help loosen tangles without injuring the skin. Slicker brushes consist of short, wiry bristles which help smooth the coat and may be all you need for a short-haired cat.

    • 3

      Apply a spray-on conditioner after brushing to improve the fur and make subsequent grooming easier.

    • 4

      Bath your cat regularly with a gentle pet shampoo to control shedding and reduce the amount of allergens present on your pet. Since most cats do not like getting wet and won't tolerate a tub full of water, you can use pet wipes or waterless shampoo. Pet wipes contain conditioners to improve the coat as they clean. Waterless shampoos are available in spray or powder form and do not require rinsing.

    Treating the Environment

    • 5

      Cover couches, chairs and bedding with decorative blankets, towels or pet mats to keep fur off the furniture. When the throws become soiled, discard them or throw them into the washing machine. Plush fleece blankets are inexpensive and appeal to many cats that like to knead blankets, sweaters or pillows before settling down.

    • 6

      Provide a bed or perch especially for your cat. Cat trees and kitty condos are widely available and come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes. Many offer areas to climb, scratch and hide, making them tempting alternatives to the couch.

    • 7

      Remove excess fur from carpets, furniture and clothing with a vacuum or lint roller. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers are making and marketing products specifically geared toward pet owners, but most vacuums contain attachments that will pick up fur. Sticky lint rollers are great for picking up pet hair and are available in many sizes, ranging from small travel versions to larger household models. If no lint roller is available, strips of tape will also remove pet fur from clothing or furniture.